The famous Roman general known for crossing the Rubicon is Julius Caesar. This act, which occurred in 49 BCE, marked a pivotal moment in Roman history as it signified his defiance against the Roman Senate and the beginning of a civil war. Caesar's statement "the die is cast" underscored the point of no return in his bid for power. Crossing the Rubicon was a symbolic act of rebellion, leading to the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of imperial rule under Caesar, who would later become dictator for life before his assassination.